Overview
The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch) is the Netherlands' seat of government and home to the Dutch royal family, though Amsterdam holds the constitutional title of capital. Situated in the province of South Holland, it is one of the few cities in the world that hosts a significant concentration of international courts and tribunals, earning it the informal title 'the world's legal capital.'
Despite its serious diplomatic reputation, The Hague is a genuinely livable and visitor-friendly city. Grand 17th- and 18th-century architecture lines its boulevards alongside modern administrative buildings, while the nearby North Sea coast adds a refreshingly casual, windswept dimension. The city attracts a diverse international population, which is reflected in its restaurant scene, cultural events, and generally relaxed atmosphere.
The Hague is frequently overlooked in favour of Amsterdam or Rotterdam, which works in the visitor's favour: major museums and landmarks are rarely overcrowded, and the pace feels more measured. It pairs well with a day trip to nearby Delft or a coastal walk in Scheveningen.
Before You Go
Visas
The Netherlands is a member of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and travel history. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance and consult the official Dutch immigration authority (IND) or your nearest Netherlands embassy for requirements specific to your situation.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry from most countries, but routine vaccinations should be up to date. The Netherlands has a high standard of public healthcare. EU/EEA citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); all other visitors are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel health insurance before departure.
Money
The euro is the sole currency. ATMs are widely available throughout the city centre and at transport hubs. Contactless card payment is broadly accepted, but some smaller cafés, market stalls, and local shops may prefer cash. It is worth keeping a small amount of euros on hand.
What to Pack
- A waterproof layer year-round; coastal winds can be strong even in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobblestone streets
- A reusable bag — single-use plastic bags carry a fee in Dutch shops
- Plug adapter if needed (Type C/F, 230V)
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), approximately 50 km north of The Hague. Direct train connections link Schiphol to Den Haag Centraal station, with journey times typically under an hour. Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is a smaller regional airport closer to the city and serves a more limited range of European routes. Verify current schedules and fares with carriers and Dutch Railways (NS) directly.
By Train
The Hague has two main railway stations: Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor). Both are well connected to Amsterdam (roughly 50 minutes), Rotterdam (around 25–30 minutes), Utrecht, and other Dutch cities. International Thalys and Eurostar services to Brussels, Paris, and London stop at Rotterdam or Amsterdam rather than The Hague itself, so a short onward connection is required.
By Car
The Hague is accessible via the Dutch motorway network (A4, A12, A13). Parking in the city centre is limited and can be expensive; using park-and-ride facilities on the city's outskirts and continuing by tram is often more practical.
Getting Around
The Hague has an efficient public transport network operated primarily by HTM, comprising trams and buses that cover most areas of interest including the city centre, Scheveningen beach, and residential neighbourhoods. The OV-chipkaart (a reloadable smart card) is the standard payment method for public transport across the Netherlands; single-use tickets are also available but tend to cost more.
The city is extremely cycle-friendly, with an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes. Rental bikes are available through several providers; verify current operators and pricing locally. Cycling to Scheveningen along marked routes is a popular and practical option.
The city centre — particularly the area around the Binnenhof, Lange Voorhout, and the main museum district — is very walkable. Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate in the city; confirm availability and pricing at the time of travel.
Things to See & Do
Binnenhof and Ridderzaal
The Binnenhof is the historic complex at the heart of Dutch parliamentary life, dating back to the 13th century. The Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) at its centre is used for the annual State Opening of Parliament (Prinsjesdag, held on the third Tuesday of September). Access to the complex and any interior spaces is subject to security arrangements and may change; verify visit options at the visitor centre or the official website.
Peace Palace
Built in the early 20th century with a contribution from Andrew Carnegie, the Peace Palace houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Guided tours of the building are available on selected days when the courts are not in session; check the Peace Palace visitor programme in advance.
Mauritshuis
One of the finest small art museums in Europe, the Mauritshuis holds a focused collection of Dutch Golden Age masterworks including Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp. Verify current opening hours and ticket prices on the official Mauritshuis website before visiting.
Gemeentemuseum Den Haag (Kunstmuseum)
Renamed Kunstmuseum Den Haag, this museum holds the world's largest collection of works by Piet Mondrian alongside applied arts, fashion, and modern art. The building itself, designed by H.P. Berlage, is considered an architectural landmark.
Scheveningen
The Hague's coastal district, Scheveningen, is reached in roughly 20–30 minutes by tram from the city centre. It offers a long sandy beach, a 19th-century pier (rebuilt in the 20th century), seafront restaurants, and a year-round fish market tradition. It can be busy in summer and windswept but peaceful in the off-season.
Escher in Het Paleis
Housed in a former royal palace on the Lange Voorhout, this museum is dedicated to the work of graphic artist M.C. Escher and makes clever use of its historic setting. Check the official site for current admission details.
Food & Drink
The Hague's dining scene reflects its international character. The Chinatown district around Wagenstraat is one of the oldest and largest in the Netherlands. Indonesian cuisine has deep roots in the Netherlands due to historical colonial ties, and rijsttafel — an elaborate spread of Indonesian dishes — is widely available and considered a local institution.
The central market hall (Markt) and the Haagse Markt (one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe, held several days a week in the Loosduinen district) are good places to sample fresh produce, stroopwafels, Dutch cheeses, herring, and international street food at accessible prices. Verify current market days and hours locally.
For seafood, Scheveningen's harbour area has a cluster of fish restaurants and stalls selling fresh North Sea catch, including the Netherlands' beloved raw herring (haring) eaten traditionally with chopped onion and pickles.
Cafés in The Hague often double as 'brown cafés' (bruine kroegen) — traditional Dutch pubs with a warm, lived-in atmosphere suited to long conversations over local beer or jenever (Dutch gin). The Denneweg street and areas around the Grote Markt have a good concentration of independent bars and restaurants.
Shopping
The main commercial shopping street is the Spuistraat/Spui area, which connects to the Grote Marktstraat and several pedestrianised shopping zones with a mix of Dutch chains and international retailers. The Passage, a 19th-century covered arcade off the Buitenhof, is one of the oldest shopping galleries in the Netherlands and worth a look for its architecture as much as its shops.
For independent boutiques, antique dealers, and specialty food shops, the Denneweg and Noordeinde streets are worth exploring. Noordeinde is also the street on which the King's Working Palace is located. The Haagse Markt outdoor market is a practical option for everyday goods, fresh food, and textiles at lower price points than city-centre shops.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
In the Netherlands, dial 112 for police, fire, and ambulance in an emergency. For non-urgent police matters, contact the local police (dial 0900-8844, verify this number is current upon travel).
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apotheken) are clearly signed. A duty rota system ensures at least one pharmacy in each area remains open outside normal hours; details are typically posted on pharmacy doors or available from local services.
Internet and SIM Cards
Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels, and public spaces. EU roaming regulations remove data roaming charges for EU-based SIM cards within the Schengen Area. Visitors from outside the EU can purchase prepaid SIM cards from providers at Schiphol or in city-centre mobile phone shops.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands but is appreciated for good service. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% at restaurants is common practice. Tipping in cafés and bars is discretionary.
Safety
The Hague is generally considered a safe city for travellers. Petty theft — pickpocketing at busy tram stops, markets, and tourist sites — is the most common concern and can be mitigated by standard precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive items openly, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
As the seat of multiple international institutions, The Hague maintains a visible security presence around government and diplomatic buildings. Photography near certain restricted areas may be subject to restrictions; respect any signage or instructions from security personnel.
Bicycle theft is common across Dutch cities; if renting a bike, always use the provided lock and secure it to a fixed object. Check your government's travel advisory for the Netherlands before departing for any updated guidance.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Hague has a somewhat more formal, administrative character compared to Amsterdam's bohemian reputation, but this should not be mistaken for coldness. The city's large international community and diplomatic culture have produced a generally open and multilingual environment. English is spoken to a very high standard by most residents under 60.
The Dutch value directness in communication, which can occasionally surprise visitors accustomed to more indirect social conventions; it is generally not intended as rudeness. Punctuality is appreciated in both professional and social contexts.
Prinsjesdag — the annual State Opening of Parliament on the third Tuesday of September — is a significant civic event that draws visitors from across the country. The royal procession through the city centre is a colourful and historically layered public spectacle worth timing a visit around if possible.
The Hague also hosts several international cultural festivals throughout the year, including the North Sea Jazz Festival in nearby Rotterdam, which many visitors combine with a stay in The Hague. Verify current event schedules close to your travel date.
